Vegan Latkes (Potato Pancakes)
The key is to make these ahead of time, freeze them, and then put them in the oven frozen. They come out great every time!
6 medium russet potatoes
1 medium onion
2 flax eggs (1 flax egg = 1 tablespoon ground flax powder + 3 tablespoons water)
1/3 cup flour
1 teasspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
Safflower oil
Frituras de Malanga (Cuban Taro Fritters)
Malanga, or taro root, has a very mild flavor and is light and crisp when fried. Why not try Cuban fritters this year for Hanukkah?
2 medium malanga or taro root, about 1 pound (available in Spanish markets)
1 small onion
1 teaspoon white or apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 egg
1 Tablespoon finely chopped parsley (optional in Cuba)
Freshly ground black pepper (optional in Cuba)
Vegetable oil for frying
Chocolate Truffle "Gelt"
Although these filled truffles cannot be flattened like a coin, they can be individually wrapped in malleable gold foil to evoke the image of metallic coins.
6 ounces of chocolate: dark, milk, or white (see notes about white chocolate below)
1/4 cup sweet, unsalted butter
2 egg yolks
1 Tablespoon coffee liqueur, cognac or Grand Marnier
Dried and sweetened cherries, cranberries, or raisins
Cocoa
Gold foil
Stuffed Kibbeh
In the Middle East, dishes made with bulgur always graced the Hanukkah table.
CRUST:
1 ¼ cup bulgur (medium or fine grain if you’re not using a food processor)
2 cups water
1 cup coarsely chopped medium onion
1 pound ground beef or lamb
½ teaspoon salt
10 grindings of black pepper
1 teaspoon cinnamon
..........................................................................
FILLING:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cups finely chopped large, sweet onion (Vidalia or Bermuda)
¼ cup pine nuts
½ pound ground beef or lamb
½ teaspoon salt or to taste
12 grindings of black pepper
¼ teaspoon allspice
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1–2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for coating
Hanukkah Radish Salad Canapés
Following in the Maccabean folkloric tradition, radish salad makes for a delicious Hanukkah appetizer.
1 pound large fresh red radishes (about 2 dozen)
2 large scallions
2 tablespoons rendered chicken fat or extra virgin olive oil
1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (about 10 grinds)
1 teaspoon sugar or honey
1 firm brick of Pumpernickel bread or 3 whole-wheat pitas
1 head Bibb lettuce (optional)
Extra chicken fat for spreading on bread (optional)
Coarse sea salt for garnish